From Loyola to the FIFA World Cup

Just months after graduating from Loyola University Chicago’s School of Communication with her Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Journalism, alumna Bora Cecia found herself doing what she'd dreamed about for years: analyzing matches, discussing Lionel Messi, and covering the FIFA World Cup for an international television audience. 

For many young journalists, an opportunity of that scale might seem like a distant career milestone. For Cecia, it became the natural next chapter of a journey built on intentionality, discipline, and a willingness to create opportunities before they existed. 

Growing up in Northern Virginia, Cecia’s college journey was set by a sisterly pact. “I was finishing high school and wasn't really sure where I wanted to go to college,” Cecia shared. Although she did not have a specific school in mind, she did have an older sister, Arba Cecia, who was also preparing to embark on a journey of her own as she applied to medical schools across the country.  

"So, we made a little deal that we would apply to the same schools or at least apply in the same states so we could be together. We're very close.” When Arba was accepted in Loyola Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine, it made Bora's choice to become a Rambler seamless. “I guess we’re going to Chicago,” Cecia told her sister. “It was interesting because we had never been to Chicago prior to that.” Little did she know that decision would shape everything that followed. 

Getting her beginning in the College of Arts and Sciences, Cecia started out as a political science major. “I realized it wasn’t my path,” she stated. Realizing it wasn’t a good fit, her sister came to the rescue once more. “Arba said, ‘You know, I think you should do journalism.’ I’ve always liked writing and communication, but I never really put a word or label to it before. So, I was like, ‘Okay, let’s see if Loyola has a journalism program.’” When she saw the curriculum for Multimedia Journalism, Cecia was blown away. “I was like, ‘This is awesome! I love all of these classes. I love everything that the School of Communication has to offer! So why not try it?’” Cecia shared. “So, I went to my advisor the very first day of school and I said, ‘I'm changing my major,’ and he was like, ‘That was really quick.’” 

“Quick” became the perfect word to describe both her time at Loyola at the passionate pace that led her to both graduate early and land a space covering the FIFA World Cup. “I think one of the great things about the SoC multimedia journalism program is how it exposes you to different types of journalism. We have classes in sports broadcasting, environmental journalism, investigative journalism, and so on. You have to branch out and try a bit of everything. I went in with an open mind and was able to really connect with the faculty and start my own independent projects. That is where I started my podcast, “So Sporty,” with Professor [Patricia] Lamberti, which I'm still developing now,” Cecia shared. “It resulted from doing a directed study course that allows you to design the curriculum, so a lot of things originated from being able to take advantage of that and all of the other resources at the SoC. Being in that environment really pushed me to do my own things and become a better journalist.” 

Even after an injury that prevented Cecia from pursuing a minor in dance, that did not stop her. Instead, it gave her the inspiration to put her all into journalism with the goal of graduating early.  “I knew 2026 was going to be a big year for sports and I knew that I wanted to get involved. It has always been my dream to cover a World Cup because I've always been a huge fan of soccer growing up. It's always been a huge part of my life, and when I decided to do journalism, I knew I wanted to do sports and specifically soccer. But to kind of get involved you need to be open and available and have that diploma. I took a bunch of classes, even in the summer. I was also balancing 21 credits while also working as an editor for Loyola's Program for Neuroscience and Society and journalist for the School of Communication.” 

Cecia began sharing sports content on TikTok before expanding to Instagram, YouTube and Spotify, where she launched a podcast with Professor Patty Lamberti while still at Loyola. Although some posts performed better than others, she remained consistent, publishing content daily across multiple platforms. 

That visibility led to interviews with Albanian media outlets interested in highlighting her work as an Albanian American journalist. Through those appearances, she connected with ABC Albania and was invited to provide commentary during the Club World Cup final. Although nervous, she accepted the opportunity and maintained the relationship afterward. When the World Cup approached, ABC Albania invited her back for a larger partnership that resulted in approximately 10 television appearances covering the tournament. 

Today, the sisters remain just a short distance from one another in the Washington, D.C., area. Arba matched into her top-choice neurosurgery residency at the University of Maryland, while Bora recently began Georgetown University's new Executive Master of Professional Studies in Global Sports Operations and Strategy, developed in partnership with Manchester City. “My biggest dream is to have my own media company focused specifically on soccer. So, that is what I'm working and studying for.” For the sisters who once made a pact to stay together through college and medical school, it seems their paths continue to align as they pursue their respective careers. 

"I'm just looking to learn as much as I can from the curriculum there, but also through my own lived experiences as well.” Her advice to students? “If your dreams feel unachievable, remember this: if you never try, they'll always seem impossible. The moment you start working toward your biggest goals, your chances of success go from 0% to something greater. Even a 1% chance is better than none.”